By Rhys Turrell

The Reds boss has acknowledged the importance of keeping the Uruguayan at Anfield but claims the club is under no pressure to allow him to leave in the near future

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that there is no need for the Reds to sell Luis Suarez despite persistent speculation linking the striker with a host of top European clubs.

Suarez played a key part in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, winning the penalty that Steven Gerrard converted to put Rodgers' team ahead.

The Uruguayan is in the running for player of the year honours but Rodgers says that there is no pressure that might force the club to cash in on their prize asset despite the fact that they look set to miss out on Champions League qualification once again.

"It is very important [we keep him]," Rodgers told reporters. "He is a wonderful player. We don't have to sell him. There is nothing like that.

"He is very happy. We don't need to sell him for the money. We are trying to build a good group here and we want to keep striving forward, so there is no need to sell him."

Rodgers paid tribute to the 26-year-old's display after a tiring week that included significant amounts of travelling to represent Uruguay during the international break.

"He was away on international with Uruguay, he came back late on Thursday, but was in training on Friday," the coach explained.

"I've got to say I noticed how tired he looked; his face, his body, he just looked totally shattered. But he came in today and his willingness to work for the team and sheer quality were incredible. He frightens defenders."

The Liverpool boss believes that Gerrard, meanwhile, can go on to emulate the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in enjoying a lengthy career at the top due to his day-to-day professionalism.

"Those guys [Giggs and Scholes], it's not what they are doing now, its what they did earlier on, when they were 17, 18, 19 and 20," he added.

"Look at Steven Gerrard, he has every chance to play until his late 30s. He never has a lazy day. He is a remarkable man. Look at his running level. Look at his fitness. He has been like that all season.

"He had to have an injection in his ankle, but he is a top, top player. His commitment to succeed at Liverpool is incredible, I can't speak highly enough of him."

Gerrard's current contract expires at the end of next season and Rodgers confirmed that the midfielder would be offered the chance to extend his stay at Anfield.

"That is something on the agenda," he said. "That will happen in due course."